Description Family Sapindaceae. Originating from Japan. Large, palmately lobed leaves form an elegant, rounded canopy. Bright green foliage in summer turns to intense scarlet and crimson in autumn. Reliable and well-behaved, excellent as a specimen tree or in containers. The Scarlet Autumn Japanese Maple in Your Garden Outrageously intense scarlet and crimson autumn colours are this Japanese maple’s forte. Its leaves emerge and last through summer in a delicious olive-green colour, as if saving their firepower for autumn. It gives us hints of the kaleidoscopic display to come with its deep burgundy flowers and sepals in spring. Crimson and yellow-winged seeds follow. ‘Osakazuki’ is one of the most reliable Japanese maples for autumn and summer colour, rarely scorching in strong sun. It is hardy in all UK gardens and grows steadily to around 4m tall and wide over 10–20 years. Shelter is recommended to protect new shoots from late frosts and leaves from scorching sunlight, rather than for overall hardiness. The large 5-7-lobed leaves form a lush crown borne on an elegant, well-branched tree with a wide-spreading, rounded habit. Its colourful seeds and flowers are worth close inspection, making it perfect for pot culture in Suffolk’s sheltered courtyards. Additionally, its broad, graceful habit and spectacular autumn colours make an impact from afar in Norfolk’s woodland gardens. Did you know? Osakazuki’s broad leaflets sometimes cup at the base, obscuring their stems, hence its Japanese name, meaning ‘Leaf Like a Sake cup’. Growing Tips for Your Scarlet Autumn Japanese Maple, Acer palmatum ‘Osakazuki’ Soil and sun: Moist but well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Humus-rich woodland soil is ideal. Light shade or dappled sun is ideal. Planting: at any time of year. Never plant a dry plant! Plunge the pot for 10 minutes, or stand larger plants in water for 30 minutes to drench the rootball before planting. Protect young trees from strong winds and late frosts. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells in the first few years. Established plants tolerate dry spells if grown in cool part shade. Feeding: Apply an ericaceous slow-release fertiliser in spring to give young plants a boost. Pruning: Minimal pruning required. However, it can be pruned to any desired shape in mid-winter. In Japan, the changing colours of acers represent the cycle of leaf, peace and harmony. Their symbolic importance is reflected in the tradition of momiji-gari, hunting for colouring autumnal maples in the mountains. Bring their ethereal qualities into your own garden. This reliable, spectacular variety allows us to enjoy the serenity and grace of acers in UK woodland and patio gardens.
